Narrative
Expository
Revising
Editing
Testing Tips
100
What three questions should your introduction answer? (ba-da-bing)
Where are your (or your character's) feet? What do you see? What are you thinking?
100
What are the first things you should do when you look at the expository prompt? (at least two things)
-cross out the box and the "think about" statement -read the "write about..." statement carefully -look up any unfamiliar words in the prompt -BRAINSTORM ideas! -write a thesis
100
How do you fix a run-on sentence?
Use a semicolon; use a comma and a conjunction (FANBOYS); split into two sentences (this is only rarely the correct choice on multiple choice). A comma is NOT strong enough to join two sentences!
100
If there is a spelling question, you should always...
Look it up in the dictionary!
100
Time you should get to Trinity on Monday morning
Between 7:20 and 7:30 am
200
What can you do if you can't think of a story?
Refer back to the ideas you put on your hand sketch. Think about events that have happened to you (or your friends) - how can you make them fit the prompt? Also - after reading the prompt carefully and looking up any unfamiliar words, take a short break to give your brain time to process. Work on multiple choice for a while, or go to the restroom. Then try again.
200
What is the most important sentence in the entire essay? Where does it belong?
The thesis; at the end of the intro paragraph
200
How can you fix a sentence fragment?
Add what's missing: a subject or a verb (or both) Connect it to another clause
200
When should you use commas around an interrupting idea in a sentence?
When it can be removed without changing the meaning of the sentence or removing crucial information. Ex: Mark, who never missed a day of summer school, sat down to take the test. But: The boy who missed fifteen days of summer school was not sure what to do on the test.
200
The two most important things to bring on test day are:
Photo ID and pencils. You can also bring erasers, highlighters, and dictionaries. Do NOT bring bags, purses, hoodies, or cell phones!
300
What are the parts of the "roller coaster ride" that a story should follow?
Set-up (ba-da-bing or other lead-in); inciting action (getting on the coaster - what triggers the events?); rising action - climax - falling action; resolution (possibly with a "life lesson" attached - what did you/your character learn?)
300
What is a "hook" and where does it go?
It is an interesting lead-in statement; it should start your paper and lead into your thesis. Keep it short: 1-2 sentences. Types: simile lead (compare your topic to something; explain how they are alike; lead into thesis); state a problem or general statement about the topic; use a rhetorical question...
300
What is the point of transition words?
To connect ideas in sentences or paragraphs; to improve the flow of the paper. Be sure to read the sentences before and after the one the question asks about if the question is about transitions.
300
When should you capitalize words that indicate relationships (like dad, aunt, papa...)?
If you can replace it with a proper name, capitalize. Otherwise, don't. Also, if it's attached to a name (like a title) Ex: I asked Dad for $50. (I asked Bob for $50.) My dad only gave me $20. (My Bob only gave me $20) Ex: Look - I see Aunt Edna getting off the plane! Look - I think I see my aunt getting off the plane!
300
How should you manage your time on this test?
Spend at least an hour on each essay (20 min's prewrite and first draft; 20 min's revising and editing; 20 min's final draft); allow an hour for the multiple choice (1 min per question and 30 min's to double check answers). Extra time for final revisions, rechecking, restroom breaks, etc.
400
What are two types of conflict, and which one should your story have?
Internal and external; ideally, both - but internal conflicts are usually "deeper" and better at drawing in the reader.
400
How many paragraphs long should your paper be? What should each paragraph contain?
Three or four paragraphs. Introduction (hook + thesis) Body paragraph(s) - idea #1 from thesis. Start with topic sentence; include examples and support; use transitions Conclusion (restate thesis; tell why the topic is important)
400
If a question asks you which word would best fit in the selection (or improve a word already in the passage), what strategies should you use?
Look up the answer choices in the dictionary. Try each word in the sentence (read the entire sentence with the new word inserted). If it's a transition word, be sure to read the sentence (or entire paragraph) before it first.
400
When do you need a comma before a FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so)?
When you are connecting two COMPLETE THOUGHTS, each with its own subject and verb. Ex: I begged my parents for ice cream yesterday, but they said we'd already had too much sugar. I begged my parents for ice cream but didn't get to have any.
400
What are some good strategies to use if you panic or get "writer's block" on the test?
-take a restroom break! stretch, move around, splash water on your face -close your eyes, take a deep breath, and picture yourself getting the results: passing or even commended! -switch to a different section of the test for a while
500
What steps should you follow to write the literary narrative?
Prewrite (brainstorm; use someone-wanted-but-so or the four-sentence story to organize your ideas); write a quick rough draft (aim for about 20 minutes); revise (improve word choices; add in brush-strokes; add in relevant details about characters and setting; make sure the conflict is clear and on-topic); finally, write the final draft.
500
Should you prewrite and quick-write a rough draft before you write the final draft?
Yes. Consider using your thesaurus to improve a few (3-4) words in your essay. Correct for spelling and grammar (especially sentence fragments and run-ons). Make sure that every sentence in your essay connects back to your thesis sentence. Make sure your essay fits in the box - don't "double-line" or go outside of the box provided.
500
Is it necessary to read the passage when answering the revising questions?
YES! In fact, many of the "distractor choices" will be specifically designed to catch those who did not read the selection. You need to know how all the pieces of the essay fit together if you want to answer the questions effectively.
500
What do you need after introductory elements in a sentence like transition words, absolutes, subordinate clauses, lists of prepositional phrases, etc)?
A comma In the hours before dawn each day, I like to sit and enjoy the quiet. However, I think this test will be a piece of cake. If we take our time, we will be successful Monday.
500
What are some things you can do this weekend to be prepared for the test? (at least 2)
-get plenty of sleep this weekend, especially Sunday night. Aim for a minimum of 8 hours! -study - take a little time to read over all your notes, the essays you've written and the commentary on them, the assignments you've completed, any workbook pages for final practice, etc. - eat a good breakfast Monday morning...something with protein and carbs (eggs and toast, yogurt and granola). NOT junk food!
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